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Reached Patras after a night's journey. Via Taxi reached Patras bus stand where we booked tickets for Athens. Across coastline, it was a beautiful journey. And It was mathematics all around as P is written as π ; A as @, B as Beta β; it was fun to judge my secondary school knowledgeSpent 3 days in Athens and visited Acropolis, Parthenon, Syntagma Square, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Police station (as my friend lost his wallet and we had to lodge complaint). Europe (Greece, Turkey) with an Asian feeling starts as you sail across Mediterranean as I could see the street vendors culture selling spices etc. across Athens.Read More

Reached Patras after a night's journey. Via Taxi reached Patras bus stand where we booked tickets for Athens. Across coastline, it was a beautiful journey. And It was mathematics all around as P is written as π ; A as @, B as Beta β; it was fun to judge my secondary school knowledgeSpent 3 days in Athens and visited Acropolis, Parthenon, Syntagma Square, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Police station (as my friend lost his wallet and we had to lodge complaint). Europe (Greece, Turkey) with an Asian feeling starts as you sail across Mediterranean as I could see the street vendors culture selling spices etc. across Athens.

Athens is the land of Gods and heroes and is one of the most iconic cities in Europe. It's an old city with narrow lanes, but has a vibrant feel with its bustling cafes, bars and restaurants. The city's cultural and social life passes by these ancient monuments merging the past and the present in an enigmatic manner. It is a city where culture, history, nightlife and food welcome you with open arms. Hotels in Athens can be expensive, so it's ideal to check out affordable Airbnbs or hostels! Food in touristy areas is expensive, so opt for going a little off the trail and having true Greek food!Cheapest Month to Fly: July 2017 from MumbaiMust See: The Acropolis, The Parthenon, The Roman Stadium, Syntagma Square, Plaka (the neighbourhood of the Gods).Must Eat: Moussaka (eggplant, meat and tomato layered dish), Souvlaki (grilled meat or veggies), Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), Galaktoboureko (custard in filo pastry) and Ouzo liquor.Must Do: Go water-skiing at the Saronic Gulf, Watch the changing of guards at the parliament building; Pass by the Hadrian’s Arch; Visit the Temple of Zeus; Be artsy and see the Athenian Street/Graffiti Art; Shop at flea markets, specially at Monastiraki; Eat traditional Greek foodApproximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 1000; Food – Rs. 1600; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 250; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 1800 on double occupancy.

Athens is a beautiful city which still keeps alive its culture. Although a bit damaged by the natural forces, the Acropolis stands tall and is still the highest point of the city. It is such a glorious sight from any part of the city. Every bit of the area near Acropolis and Parthenon speaks of its glorious past. Once there, it transports us back in history and we could literally visualize the Greeks in their traditional attire and soldiers clad in all armour near their temple of victory- The Parthenon.

1. Athens: I would recommend staying in a hotel with metro access. We stayed in Athens for a couple of nights at Hotel Areos (100 EUR per night) and found the location to be quite convenient. The hotel is a 5 min walk from Victoria station (See map below). Victoria is a couple of stops from both Monastiraki and Syntagma and a very convenient base to explore the city. The area is also less expensive as compared to Monastiraki.

I left the next day for Athens, where I was going to spend three days. I went to the old city of Acropolis, and a few other sites but unfortunately, my trip was cut short when Greece Airport decided to go on strike. My flight back to Rome was cancelled and I had a flight to New Delhi from Rome that very day. My visa too was expiring on my last day. After some frantic research, I crossed paths with others who were facing the same plight. An American couple studying in Rome had to be in the city for an exam. To get back to Rome, we had a take two-day trip on bus, boat, train, and bus. I barely got back to Rome on time for my flight. It was a hectic trip and I did not get time to bid good-bye to either Greece or Italy but now when I look back now, it was an adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2 in Athens was planned to see the sights and eat the local food and this is what we did we jumped on the metro & hopped from station to station looking to for recommended shops to eat, walked on the streets of Syntagma, Evangelismos & Monastriki & stuffed our stomachs to its brim . It felt like we were in a chapter from a retro book with shopping bags and street maps of the city in our hands. We went back to our hotel to collect our luggage as we were flying to Santorini the same night.

We landed in Athens from London. Athens is a historic place for sure. But I am not into so much history. We were on ourselves in Athens . It is a very well connected place through subways. We were in Athens when people there were conducting serious strikes against government and I was even afraid. We saw old Acropolis which is very famous and has a history. It was ruined. Then we came down to new Acropolis museum , spent some time there understanding some history. Then we went to Zeus temple which had also a lot of ruins. This was in Sintagma square . We took a subway to reach here. Then we were done for the day.

It all started from here! No literally. City of Athens stands tall with some of the greatest achievements of mankind. The birthplace of democracy in all its splendour and glory represents a thousands of years of cultural evolution. Greeks were the avant-garde of sports, modern medicine, mathematics and sciences that we practice today.

There was a knot in my stomach as I walked past clothing shops displaying life-jackets for sale. Inflatable rafts, most designed to carry two people, three at most. Diesel motors lined-up on the street outside shops that sell tourist souvenirs inside. While the rest of the world debates the migrant/refugee lexicon, in Izmir the inflow of Syrians has decisively created a multi-million dollar "raft economy" that supplies provisions for their sometimes fatal exit across the border into the European Union.Read More

There was a knot in my stomach as I walked past clothing shops displaying life-jackets for sale. Inflatable rafts, most designed to carry two people, three at most. Diesel motors lined-up on the street outside shops that sell tourist souvenirs inside. While the rest of the world debates the migrant/refugee lexicon, in Izmir the inflow of Syrians has decisively created a multi-million dollar "raft economy" that supplies provisions for their sometimes fatal exit across the border into the European Union.

Day 4 – Izmir
Somya and I had booked a low cost flight from Istanbul to Izmir because the distance between the two places is around 564 kilometres and a bus would cost us approximately 1600 INR. The flight cost us 2100 INR and it was more convenient for us to pay 500 Rupees more and save some time. Our flight arrived in Izmir at 2 pm and from there till our BNB we had been suggested to take a local bus straight from the airport. After collecting our baggage and completing all formalities, we reached the bus stop (called otobus duragi in Turkish) at 3 pm and were finally able to catch a 4 ‘o’ clock bus. Our house was at walking distance from the bus stop. In the bus, I made friends with a German man who was going to Iraq. He could hardly speak English but was trying his best to talk to me. Somya and I talked to an American girl who was on a solo trip to Turkey. After Turkey, she was going to Greece for rafting. On such trips do we realize how important it is for us to meet people from across the globe to know and be inspired by their stories. I could have never really thought of taking a solo trip but listening to such adventurous stories I am planning my next trip alone. So, we got down at our bus stop and walked towards our house. Our host Ozlem, who was living in another house, was already waiting for us there. Ozlem was a very friendly man and when we entered the house, we were pleasantly surprised to see how pretty it was. We were overjoyed when we discovered that we were the only people who would be occupying that 2 BHK for the next two days. We had chosen the room with bunk beds and it was just amazing. The kitchen, the drawing room and the balcony were remarkable. And guess what, we were the first guests in that BNB! So we were treated in the best way possible. There were chocolates waiting for us on our beds. Fresh fruits, juices and other eatables were kept for us in the fridge. We were so excited that we started thanking Ozlem hysterically. Ozlem also had maps ready for us and gave us an idea of what spots to visit in the city. We were not very keen on exploring Izmir as it had nothing much to offer but still we went out to spend the evening. We had planned to visit Ephesus the next day. By now we were extremely hungry so first we found a place to eat. I can confidently say that food in Turkey is very cheap. We luckily found a place where I had a whole pizza meal including a personal meat pizza, two chicken pieces, a large plate of fries, and unlimited soft drink for 350 INR. Yes, you read it right! 350 INR (including taxes, if they have any). Full and happy, we walked towards the main road, which was on side of the sea. We walked a few kilometers on the road adjoining the sea. We enjoyed the sun beautifully setting at the horizon and then decided to go to the nearby market. When we asked a man the way to that market pointing towards the map, he literally took us there and offered us street food and cigarettes on the way. We were initially skeptical about his intentions, but when we reached the destination, he simply shook our hands and left. Such are the people of Turkey! I bought a denim jacket, which is the trendiest cloth there and boarded a bus back to our bus stand. After the bus driver gestured to us that there were many stops by the name of the stop we were taking, we realized we were lost. But then again the hospitality of the people didn’t betray us and we were back home safely, eating and dancing all on our own.

Next we took the ferry from Gallipoli to Izmir. We got down and drove to the city of Izmir. We reached at 3 in the morning and hence got a really horrible hotel named Ankara for 80 lira. Please don't go in this hotel as it has bed bugs, the toilets stink.
Instead reach earlier and find a decent hotel to stay in. Much better places can be found online and booked in advance to avoid inconvenience
Next day, we went to the beach side which is Aegean Sea. You can walk or rent bicycles and go around the beach. The place also has good clubs and pubs to offer. And apparently a good night life and good food! In the market there is a shop to buy local perfumes. Even though they are local and cheap, they are totally worth buying as they are good and long lasting, atleast to my taste of perfumes.

Fira is the main town/capitol of Santorini. Part of the town is sitting on steep cliffs and it is one of the most picturesque spots in all of Greece. Fira has the most restaurants, shops, and hotels and is the center of Santorini’s nightlife. Firostefani is a suburb of Fira, lying between Fira and Imerovigli. It is on the crest of a hill and thus has one of the spots with the best view on the island and especially looking back down to Fira.Read More

Fira is the main town/capitol of Santorini. Part of the town is sitting on steep cliffs and it is one of the most picturesque spots in all of Greece. Fira has the most restaurants, shops, and hotels and is the center of Santorini’s nightlife. Firostefani is a suburb of Fira, lying between Fira and Imerovigli. It is on the crest of a hill and thus has one of the spots with the best view on the island and especially looking back down to Fira.

Bodrum is one of the centre of the Turkish Tourist industry and is the market town for the Bodrum Peninsula which consists of a number of towns and villages nestling on the edge of the Coast. One can pick Antalya or Marmaris too, but I did not want to visit any historical sites.
1. Take a dolmus (mini local bus) from the central bus station to the Tropical Camel Beach. It takes approx. 30min. from the bus station to the Camel Beach.The sea and the beach is one of the greatest in the Bodrum Peninsula.
2. Yacht Charter in Aegean Sea
i)Every coastal destination on the Bodrum Peninsula offers a selection of day boat trips. There’s an experience to match your needs; you just have to make a little bit of effort to select the right one.
ii)Avoid the cheap trips touted by the Travel Agents where you could be squashed on a party boat for 70, and served a mediocre lunch. Instead, head down to your local boat harbour (before 10am or after 6pm) and find one of the smaller (max 15-20 passengers), independently run boats.
iii) If you've more days, then do not miss the 3 day yacht stay they offer.
3. Bodrum is famous for its night life which goes on till 5am! These are the must go clubs:
i) Halikarnass club
ii) Catamaran Bost club
iii) Gumblet vicinity
iv) Aquatica - If you are looking for crazy day parties and a unique summer experience then try out this Floating Beach Club. It is located on the sea, in an untouched secluded bay, between Bodrum and Gumbet (access by shuttle boats). This concept offers day parties with international djs, food, drinks, various watersports, and much more. It is open everyday (11am till 8pm) from mid june to mid september.
4. Scuba Diving - There are many diving clubs doing daily scuba diving tours all around the region, fees usually include lunch and snacks prepared on boat.
5. Bodrum Castle
6. Shopping in Bodrum market is an amazing experience. Yes, they do bargain a lot. Also, Bodrum shopping is way cheaper than Istanbul specially for first copy designer bags.Read More

Bodrum is one of the centre of the Turkish Tourist industry and is the market town for the Bodrum Peninsula which consists of a number of towns and villages nestling on the edge of the Coast. One can pick Antalya or Marmaris too, but I did not want to visit any historical sites.
1. Take a dolmus (mini local bus) from the central bus station to the Tropical Camel Beach. It takes approx. 30min. from the bus station to the Camel Beach.The sea and the beach is one of the greatest in the Bodrum Peninsula.
2. Yacht Charter in Aegean Sea
i)Every coastal destination on the Bodrum Peninsula offers a selection of day boat trips. There’s an experience to match your needs; you just have to make a little bit of effort to select the right one.
ii)Avoid the cheap trips touted by the Travel Agents where you could be squashed on a party boat for 70, and served a mediocre lunch. Instead, head down to your local boat harbour (before 10am or after 6pm) and find one of the smaller (max 15-20 passengers), independently run boats.
iii) If you've more days, then do not miss the 3 day yacht stay they offer.
3. Bodrum is famous for its night life which goes on till 5am! These are the must go clubs:
i) Halikarnass club
ii) Catamaran Bost club
iii) Gumblet vicinity
iv) Aquatica - If you are looking for crazy day parties and a unique summer experience then try out this Floating Beach Club. It is located on the sea, in an untouched secluded bay, between Bodrum and Gumbet (access by shuttle boats). This concept offers day parties with international djs, food, drinks, various watersports, and much more. It is open everyday (11am till 8pm) from mid june to mid september.
4. Scuba Diving - There are many diving clubs doing daily scuba diving tours all around the region, fees usually include lunch and snacks prepared on boat.
5. Bodrum Castle
6. Shopping in Bodrum market is an amazing experience. Yes, they do bargain a lot. Also, Bodrum shopping is way cheaper than Istanbul specially for first copy designer bags.

Chania is a modern cosmopolitan city but unlike Athens, which has had periods where it was all but deserted, it has been continuously inhabited since Minoan times.In other words for at least 5000 years people have been living in this city, one civilization following another from Minoan, to Mycenaean, to Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Turkish all the way up to its present day inhabitants some of whom share the blood of all these groups. Yes, there could be Minoans walking around the streets of Chania. Unlike Athens which lay dormant for centuries and basically began again from scratch in the mid 19th century, Chania has had a flourishing culture and in the 18th century was an international center of commerce(thanks Wikipedia and our local guide ;)). Chania, a town with a sophistication that would allow them to view Athens as somewhat provincial. Read More

Chania is a modern cosmopolitan city but unlike Athens, which has had periods where it was all but deserted, it has been continuously inhabited since Minoan times.In other words for at least 5000 years people have been living in this city, one civilization following another from Minoan, to Mycenaean, to Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Turkish all the way up to its present day inhabitants some of whom share the blood of all these groups. Yes, there could be Minoans walking around the streets of Chania. Unlike Athens which lay dormant for centuries and basically began again from scratch in the mid 19th century, Chania has had a flourishing culture and in the 18th century was an international center of commerce(thanks Wikipedia and our local guide ;)). Chania, a town with a sophistication that would allow them to view Athens as somewhat provincial.

Naxos Greece is a popular destination for all kind of interests. It is a holiday resort for families, young and olds, people who really enjoy the sea and the sun, people with special interests such as civilization and history, people who enjoy activities such as cycling, mountain bikes, walking tours 4x4 drive beach sports, water ski, yachting and the island has the reputation to be wind surfers paradise.
Saint George, Naxos Island resort Naxos Island is the largest island in Cyclades and it is one of the most beautiful among the Greek Islands. It combines superb fine sand beaches, with fertile valleys and mountainous beauty. It is one of the best holiday destinations among the Greek Islands, and its many attractions include the unique beauty, the variety of the landscape, the numerous historical places to visit, the beautiful walking wander routes, the tradition which has been preserved in many villages.

The best place in all of Greece to taste the authentic Greece cuisine. There are not one or two dishes that are specialties here - every restaurant owner will have a different dish to offer. This is paradise for a foodie, and if you are one, it would definitely be a big task to get you to leave the city once you have tasted the food here.